Altitude: 2,730 M -3,500 M
Distance covered: 10 km
Time taken: 6 hours

Today, you will start your journey from Shitkadi. The road is a combination of descent and ascent. The incline is moderate, and numerous water sources are accessible to refill your water bottle.

We start by traveling along a vehicle route that leaves Sonamarg's main road. This path descends to the Sind River from the trailhead for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

The trekking route quickly climbs upward from the trailhead. The trail unexpectedly enters an area of undulating, lush meadows with a view of Sonamarg after around ten minutes of hiking. The end of the world as we know it and the start of the breathtaking Kashmir Great Lakes Trek are here!

You can take a small halt here and enjoy the view. The Sindh River’s water shines in the sunlight, and you will see the river passing through this small town, embraced cozily on each side by striking peaks.

This view gets pleasant and splendid when you climb up further. It takes nearly half an hour to reach the field’s top. Here you will find many silver birch, pine, and maple trees. From this place, a surging climb across vivacious meadows starts streams and brooks mark that throughout the Nichnai, your campsite.

Altitude: 3,505 M - 3,658 M
Distance: 11 kms
Time taken: 6 hours

Leave the camp early, around 8 o’clock. While the ascent is moderate, you should be ready for long hours of trekking.

The landscape varies during the day, shifting from a relaxed walk through great meadows, strolling along the river’s banks to a moderate climb up the Nichnai pass afterward, a sharp climb down from the Pass’s top.

You will start by walking with the river gushing through the Nichnai camp. While walking, you should seek feasible places to cross the river easily.

Once you cross the river, keep walking along the river shore in the route of the Pass. The path climbs gradually for upcoming hours until the ridgeline’s top that was noticeable from the field below. 

But this ridgeline is different from the Pass. The actual Pass starts after a few bends along the ridgeline.

The Nichnai Pass is a beautiful corridor with an altitude of 4,150 meters with snow-covered peaks lining its left.

You will not find peaks on its right side; however, the fields rise there and will give you a delusion of crossing the tunnel.

After reaching the Pass’s top, it is a steep and quick descent to the fields below on stony land. Here, you will see a new river flowing from this Pass. Plenty of narrow paths hit the place. So, you can pick any of these paths and keep walking ahead.

On your left side, you will see snow-capped mountains; on your right side, you will notice stretches o rugged and barren mountain faces.

Your campsite is situated two hours away beyond one more river crossing.

Altitude: 3,58 M-3,810 M
Distance covered: 10 kms
Time taken: 6 hours

Today, you will cover a sharp 2 hrs ascent, a sharp 2 hrs descent, and a smooth walk through the fields. Your trek starts with climbing a thin edge along the peak side close to Kishansar Lake.

You will reach this ridge’s top in nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes. About halfway through your climb, the mountains open up a breathtaking view of the Vishansar and Kishansar lakes together!

After one hour of sharp descent, the trails reveal a vibrant valley with mountain peaks protecting it on both sides.

This valley’s fields are fantastic; you will see Gadsar Lake beyond this field. With crystal clear waters, this lake is the most immaculate. Your campsite is 1 hrs and 30 minutes from this lake, near an Indian Army camp. There, army people will check and record your original ID cards.

Altitude: 3,810 M - 3,658 M
Distance: 12 kms
Time taken: 6 hours         

This day’s ascent is primarily moderate, taking nearly 1 hrs and 30 minutes. After that, you will walk on a place surface to reach your next campsite.

The field on today’s path stands in steep contrast to the stream valleys you have been passing through till now. The land is desolate, rugged, and fascinating in its isolation.

Fields are scarce, plus dotted patches of beautiful white flowers mark them. Today also, you will cross an army camp where they will see your original ID cards and record them before allowing you to travel.

Again you will see rolling grasslands after passing the army camp. After walking for ten minutes, you will come across the Satsar Lakes. It is a set of 7 inter-connected lakes in a narrow alpine valley extending from south to north. 

Picturesque and enormous in its milieu of mountains and greenery, you will install your camp.

Altitude: 3,658 M- 3,505 M
Distance: 13 kms
Time taken: 7 hours

Today, you will leave the Satsar Campsite. Climbing down from here is very thrilling because it is full of boulders. Most trekkers enjoy hopping from one boulder to another. It seems fun, but you should be careful and keep your balance on the rocks.

Ahead of these rocks, you will see the last and the biggest of the Satsar Lakes. After this, the path descends for approximately 30 minutes until you reach the ridge lines. From here, you should be ready for your next climb for about the next 3:30 hours. Now, you will notice that the road becomes desolate and distinctly rocky.

After continous walking, you will reach Gangabal Lake, where you will set up your camp. Now, it should be clear from the Pass that there is a long descent to the campsite.

Unlike other campsites, you will observe more tents and trekkers here. Nandakol and Gangabal are popular for trout fishing in this area. After setting up your camp at Nandakol, you can travel around Gangabal Lake.

Altitude: 3,505 M- 2,271 M
Distance: 11 kms
Time taken: 6 hours

Today’s trek is climbing down the Naranag road, so you should be careful. Naranag Road is the place where your trek will end. This is a long distance, and the walk gets sharp at the end.

You will start trekking from the Gangabal campsite through the ridgeline that goes down towards the trees.

Within hours, you will reach the treeline. Keep walking along its border. For the initial seven kilometers, you will retain the altitude. There are smooth ascents after the level walks on the green fields.

After crossing the seven km, the path starts descending sharply. The pathway is primarily grimy, and you will go through many pine trees. After walking for 1-2 km, you can see the Naranag, but it is still far away. You will have your vehicles there waiting for you to leave for Srinagar.